Pontianak City celebrates its 255th anniversary on October 23, 2026. This year’s theme is “Tangguh Bersahabat,” which means “Strong and Friendly.”
I first came to Pontianak in 1990, when I was a first-year student at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Tanjungpura University, in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
During my student years, I lived in several private boarding rooms in different parts of Pontianak. That was a long time ago! Since then, I have witnessed many changes in this city. I have lived in Pontianak from 1990 until today, for more than 36 years. This city is not just a place where I live; it is a place where I have built memories, experienced many things, and spent a large part of my life
Hold on.
Pontianak is located on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan), in the western part of Indonesia. It is the capital city of West Kalimantan Province. What makes Pontianak special is its location on the Equator, which divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The city is also known for the Kapuas River, rich cultural diversity, and delicious local food. I hope this map helps you find my hometown. Greetings from Pontianak, Indonesia\
Just take a look at the red dot next to the word “Pontianak” on the island of Kalimantan in the image above. That marks the approximate location of Pontianak, where I've been living.Please note that Indonesia's capital city is Jakarta, which is located on the island of Java, not Kalimantan.
Over the years, Pontianak has continued to grow and develop. As the capital of West Kalimantan, it is known as the Equator City because the equator passes through it. Pontianak is also rich in Malay culture, traditions, and community spirit.
The 255th-anniversary celebration will be simple but meaningful, with activities involving local communities. People are encouraged to decorate their neighborhoods with traditional decorations, such as kembang manggar, and wear traditional Malay clothing, including baju kurung and teluk belanga.
Several activities will mark this special occasion, including:
- October 22, 2026: A visit to the founders’ graves in Batu Layang to honor the people who established Pontianak.
- October 23, 2026: The main anniversary ceremony along Rahadi Usman Street.
Pontianak EXPO 2026: An exhibition featuring local small businesses, investment opportunities, and public services.
- October 26, 2026: Ayani Megamal Berjepin 2026, a public celebration of Malay culture featuring a large traditional Jepin dance.
- Religious and social activities: Events that bring people together, celebrate religious traditions, and support those in need.
For me, this anniversary is more than just a celebration of the city's age. Having lived here since 1990, I feel a special connection to Pontianak. I have seen the city change over the years, and I hope to see it continue to grow into a better place for everyone.
On this special occasion, I wish Pontianak continued progress, peace, prosperity, and happiness. May its people remain united, friendly, and respectful of one another despite their different backgrounds and cultures.
May Pontianak become an even more beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming city for future generations. May its traditions and cultural heritage continue to be preserved, and may every resident have better opportunities for a brighter future.
Happy 255th Anniversary, Pontianak!
May God bless Pontianak and all its people. May this beloved city continue to shine as a symbol of friendship, unity, and hope.
Warm greetings from a resident who first arrived in Pontianak in 1990 and still calls this city home.
Asep Haryono
Pontianak, West Kalimantan,
Indonesia
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
Happy Anniversary. It sounds like a great place to live.
BalasHapusThank you so much Mary. Good night friom me here in indonesia
HapusThank you for following my blog. Wishing your city a Happy Anniversary. It sounds like a fun weekend of celebration. Our festival season in the Northeast United States is drawing to a close. In less than a month the first snows will arrive.
BalasHapusI am proud to have you as one of my fellow blogger friends from abroad, alongside my fellow Indonesian bloggers. It brings me so much joy to have wonderful blogger friends, especially from the US and other countries around the world.
HapusI have never experienced snow in my entire life. I could have climbed one of the highest mountains in Indonesia to see snow, but unfortunately, I am not a mountain climber.
Happy Halloween preparations to you and all my fellow bloggers and friends around the world. I hope you have a wonderful and spooky celebration
Warm greetings from Indonesia
Wow, that is a long time for the city, Congratulations on that.
BalasHapusEnjoy the celebrations. Thanks for the map and gosh it must be hot there particularly in the summertime.
I've put you on my blog list once again and left a comment on your previous post.
Take care.